North/West Lower Michigan Synod ELCA - Official

10/07/2026

Our next Mitten Talk session will be held on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00pm, featuring Allan Dunlap from the ELCA Foundation and leaders from the NWLMS congregations on The Endless Possibilities of Congregational Endowments!

Learn from those who have established endowments for their property and ministry on the powerful impact a well-defined endowment might have on your ministry. Topics covered include what is an endowment? How does our congregation begin an endowment? Where do endowment funds come from? What impact has an endowment made on congregations who have one?

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]. We’re excited to see you there!

🗓️October 13, 2026
⏰7:00pm EST
📍Zoom registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/m-SKMROwR1q3U_QM1v72iQ #/registration

09/30/2026

Congress must be reminded of its responsibility to survivors of the Indian boarding school era. The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Act carries the goal of bringing together the U.S. government and communities of faith to center the healing and truth-telling of Indigenous communities. Use your voice – Action Alert link in comment below.

09/29/2026

I spy Bishop Julie 👀

Check out this article from The Lutheran World Federation! We are so grateful that Bishop had this opportunity and can’t wait to hear her stories.

09/17/2026

💬 Missed our first Mitten Talk? We’ve got you covered!

We had a great conversation about stewardship of our buildings and the ways our properties can support ministry, connection, and welcome.

The recording is now available, along with helpful resources for congregations discerning new ministries or new possibilities for their property. Take a look, share with your leadership team, and see what ideas might spark something new in your congregation! 🌱

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9ANLwK2uBs
For more information: https://www.mittensynod.org/resources/mitten-talks/

09/13/2026

09/05/2026

🏠 Our first Mitten Talks session is coming up!

Join us Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 PM for a conversation with Pastor Sarah Jones of the ELCA’s Church Property Resource Hub!

Our buildings are more than bricks, walls, and maintenance costs. They’re places where ministry happens, relationships grow, and communities are welcomed. Together, we’ll explore the stewardship of our buildings and how viewing our spaces through a ministry lens can inspire creativity and new possibilities.

Come ready to think creatively and maybe even see your building in a whole new way! 💡

Register using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2EZD1reiTi2o_cooLewIrQ

Once registered, you’ll receive the Zoom link by email closer to the event.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

We can’t wait to see you there! 💙

08/31/2026

The Synod Showdown continues!

Well, our competitors have had their say… and naturally, we couldn’t let that go unanswered. 😉

The Synod Showdown is still ON!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ We’re continuing to raise money for Living Water Ministries’ Run the Race, and every donation brings us one step closer to victory. Not just for us (we're planning outfit ideas for Bishop Kreiss), but primarily for the kiddos who benefit from Living Water's camp facilities and programs.

Every dollar donated helps support the ministry of Living Water Ministries, so let’s show our friends in the Southeast Michigan Synod what the North/West Lower Michigan Synod can do!

To support Bishop Julie and the NWLMS, follow this link:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lwmruntherace/account/2409978/

To support Bishop Kreiss and the SEMIS, follow this link:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lwmruntherace/account/2409969/

Thank you for your support in making camp available to all!

08/21/2026

🚨A Synod Showdown, you say??

We’ve been challenged by Bishop Don Kreiss and the staff at the Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA to a little friendly competition for Living Water Ministries’ fundraiser, Run the Race! The goal is simple: which synod can raise the most money?

The stakes? Oh, they’re high.

The losing Bishop will have to wear an outfit chosen by the winning synod at our Autumn Leadership Event this fall. 😳🦸‍♀️

So, Mitten Synod, LET’S DO IT FOR THE KIDS! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Every dollar supports the amazing ministry of Living Water Ministries to make camp affordable for every camper. This is one competition where everybody wins.

To support Bishop Julie and the NWLMS, follow this link:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lwmruntherace/account/2409978/

To support Bishop Kreiss and the SEMIS, follow this link:
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lwmruntherace/account/2409969/

Thank you for your support in making camp available to all!

08/13/2026

Soul Shop for Leaders at Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids is right around the corner and registration is still open!

Join us this coming Tuesday, August 18 at 8:30am and learn how to cultivate a soul-safe culture within your congregation. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

To register, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6jHkn8PdMKRhmCaoaQ7_Ysz9iwdDOMWPMLPQqAT_JlnaaIA/viewform

08/13/2026

📞 Our phones are back up! 🎉

Thank you for your patience while we worked through the phone outage. We’re happy to let you know that our phone lines are now working again and we’re ready to hear from you!

Thanks for your understanding and patience!